A former Penn State professor is
suing the university over claims
of retaliation and gender
discrimination.
According to lawsuit filed
Sept. 5th in federal court Donna Dunmire
an assistant professor of dance from
2014 through June of 2017 said the
university didn't renew her contract
because she complained to her superiors
about physical assessments being
performed on students in the musical
theater program.
According to Dunmire she first voiced
concerns in Sept. 2014 to the
department's supervisors over the
assessments, which she said made
the students feel uncomfortable.
According to the suit, Dunmire said
her work environment became hostile
and she was not allowed to choreograph
an upcoming dance show.
In August 2015, Dunmire once again
voiced her concerns about the assessments
after she said female students
who were considered to be overweight
were told to strip down to their
sports bras and fitted shorts to be
photographed for the assessment.
The suit claims that in May 2016 Dunmire
was informed that her contract would not
be renewed after her June 30, 2017
expiration date despite having a
very good rating.
Dunmire claims that she was a victim
of retaliation and is seeking a jury
trial. Dunmire also alleged that male
counterparts were treated more
favorably.
Penn State University spokeswoman
Lisa Powers said the university
does not comment on pending litigation.